Captain Scarlet voice actor Francis Matthews dies - BBC News BBC News Captain Scarlet voice actor Francis Matthews dies 15 June 2014 Read more about sharing. Close share panel Image caption Francis Matthews starred in numerous dramas and comedies as well as lending his voice to Captain Scarlet Actor Francis Matthews, who was the voice of Captain Scarlet in Gerry Anderson's 1960s TV show, has died at the age of 86. Matthews lent his voice to the indestructible puppet hero, who defended the Earth in Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, in 1967 and '68. The actor also played private detective Paul Temple in the BBC series of the same name from 1969. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Captain Scarlet was created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson after their success with Thunderbirds "We are very sorry to report that Francis Matthews, best known to Gerry Anderson fans as the voice of the indestructible puppet hero Captain Scarlet, has died aged 86," it said. The statement recounted how they chose Matthews for the role of Captain Scarlet because he sounded like Cary Grant.

Matthews also appeared in Hammer horror films including The Revenge of Frankenstein and Dracula: Prince of Darkness plus the Morecambe and Wise movies The Intelligence Men and That Riviera Touch. Other TV roles included one opposite George Cole in the 1970s BBC sitcom Don't Forget to Write! But it was Captain Scarlet that continued to inspire devotion among its fans, to Matthews' bemusement. "They really are anoraks," he told The Independent in 2006. "They dress up and stare at you when you're signing the autograph as if you're some kind of extraordinary God." Image caption Matthews appeared with Morecambe and Wise in a string of films and TV specials Image caption He starred with George Cole in the BBC comedy Don't Forget to Write! Captain Scarlet Actor Francis Matthews Dies Weather Captain Scarlet Actor Francis Matthews Dies The actor's voice for the indestructible hero, based on Cary Grant's accent, became well-known to generations of children.

16:23, UK, Sunday 15 June 2014 Image Caption: Captain Scarlet, a character created by Gerry Anderson Mail The actor who provided the voice of indestructible puppet hero Captain Scarlet in the 1960s TV show has died at the age of 86. Francis Matthews brought the Mysteron-battling sci-fi character to life in creator Gerry Anderson's programme between 1967 and 1968. His voice for Scarlet, which was based on the transatlantic accent of Hollywood star Cary Grant, became well-known to generations of children thanks to countless re-runs over the years. Matthews also became known for playing amateur detective Paul Temple in the TV drama series of the same name and appeared in several Hammer Horror films. Anderson Entertainment said: "We are very sorry to report that Francis Matthews, best known to Gerry Anderson fans as the voice of the indestructible puppet hero Captain Scarlet, has died aged 86. "Having previously had a policy of using American accents in their shows to aid sales to America, Gerry and Sylvia relaxed their casting requirements for Captain Scarlet as it was felt that British accents were now more acceptable Stateside than had previously been the case.

"After hearing Matthews' uncanny impression of Cary Grant, a voice that would have been familiar to all on both sides of the Atlantic, he was cast in 1966." Matthews' wife, the actress Angela Browne, died in 2001, Anderson Entertainment said. He is survived by his sons Damien, Paul and Dominic.

Top Stories Cast of Characters: Captain Scarlet CAST OF CHARACTERS CAPTAIN SCARLET and the MYSTERONS UNOFFICIAL WEBSITE by Chris Bishop UPDATES: June 16, 2014 - New information added "I've got the feeling they're with us all the time..." Last words of Captain Scarlet (voice by Francis Matthews) SPECTRUM PERSONNEL: CLOUDBASE STAFF OFFICERS (Sources: TV Century 21 material (Annuals, books and magazines), Engale Marketing's Century 21 magazine, Issue 15, Winter 1995, Fleetway Magazines, Captain Scarlet & the Mysterons book by Chris Drake & Graham Bassett, Complete Book of Captain Scarlet by Chris Bentleyï¿½ all related to TV Century 21 material - Photo-montages provided by dedicated fans.) Senior staff officer, colour-coded Captain, Spectrum's number one field agent. Real name : Facial features and voices based on a young Cary Grant. Voice provided by Francis Matthews.

Personal history Paul Metcalfe was born in Winchester on December 17, 2036, into a family with a long military history; his father, grand-father and great-grandfather all served in the World Army, where they all distinguished themselves. It was natural that Paul would also follow the family tradition by choosing a military career. He graduated from Winchester University in 2057, at the age of 21, with degrees in History, Technology and employment of Mathematics, and then went to West Point Military University in New York State, U.S.A., where he was trained in field combat duty, how to pilot a variety of aircraft and to become an expert with hundreds of weapons, from the most sophisticated to the most ancient (2059-2063). Drilled to survive in any conditions, he demonstrated a strong mental resilience, a concern for others over his own safety, and an ability to command. Acclaimed as ï¿½Supreme Soldierï¿½ by fellow students and lecturers alike, Paul left West Point and joined ï¿½ or was transferred ï¿½ to the World Army/Air-Force.

Some sources say that he joined the WAAF on the low rank of private, rather than take up the commission which his cadet training entitled him to (but this seems to be unlikely, considering the investment put into his training at West Point). Nevertheless, with his ability to command and his professional military outlook, he gained promotion after promotion, until, within two years, he had reached the rank of Colonel ï¿½ the youngest the WAAF had known to date - and had seen action in all the corners of the globe. The selection committee charged with finding candidates for the formation of the new organization of Spectrum, had followed Paulï¿½s career, and recognized his qualities of leadership, initiative, combat strategy, integrity and his dedication to his work within the WAAF. Therefore, in 2065, he was approached by them and accepted the offer to become a field agent for Spectrum, with the rank of Captain, and the colour-code name ï¿½Scarletï¿½. In 2068, came the Zero-X expedition to Mars, where Captain Black discovered the Complex of the Mysterons and destroyed it, mistakenly believing they were attacking his vehicle and crew.

Black was then taken over by the Mysterons, who vowed to avenge themselves, by declaring a ï¿½War of Nervesï¿½ on an unsuspecting world. Their first threat was aimed at assassinating World President Younger. Whilst driving in a Spectrum saloon car, on their way to meet with the World President, Captains Brown and Scarlet were killed when their car was forced to crash. They were then ï¿½Mysteronisedï¿½, duplicated from the original dead bodies, to do the bidding of the Mysterons. After Captain Brownï¿½s failure to carry out the Mysteronsï¿½ threat, it was up to the doppelganger of Scarlet to perform the second attempt. Kidnapping the World President, Scarlet brought him to the top of the London Car-Vu car park, with Captain Blue hot in pursuit. In a last showdown, Blue shot Scarlet, who fell 800 feet from the top of the Car-Vu. The Mysterons then either lost or released Scarlet from their control, and he became Spectrumï¿½s indestructible agent in their continuing battle against the Mysterons.

(See episode 1, ï¿½The Mysteronsï¿½.) Personality profile Scarlet is reliable and trustworthy, with a driving sense of honour, shown when he risked his career to save Colonel Whiteï¿½s life after he realised that a disagreement he had had with him was his mistake (ï¿½White as Snowï¿½). Because of his unique abilities, he would often risk his life ï¿½ and even apparently ï¿½dieï¿½ - to carry out a mission to the end ï¿½ knowing that it was far better for him to risk himself and revive, than to let other Spectrum agents sacrifice themselves. On duty, Scarlet is a true professional, totally reliable and carrying out his orders quickly and efficiently. Off duty, though, he changes completely. He is full of fun, carefree and bursting with energy, emotional and physical, possibly as a result of his regenerative abilities. Scarlet is also very popular with his fellow Spectrum officers and is especially loved by the Angel pilots who find his personality charming and appealing.

However, Scarlet also has a recurring tendency towards distancing himself from others, especially with crowds ï¿½ probably feeling that, although still very human, he is now very different from other human beings. One of Captain Scarlet's hobbies when off-duty and away from Cloudbase is pot-holing (according to the TV21 Annual published in 1969), a hobby that offers him excitement and danger. Fanfic stories show him playing chess ï¿½ and often winning (Mary J. Rudy's 'An Exercise in Hope' and Chris Bishop's 'Turning Point', to name but a few) and fencing ('The Quest', by Chris Bishop) and although these two activities are not listed in any official sources, it seems like natural that a man with Scarlet's background would have some interest in them both. His powers With Captain Brown, Captain Scarlet was the first known human being to have been subjected to the process of retrometabolism by the Mysterons (It is unknown if Captain Black had truly been Mysteronised on Mars, or if he is still human).

Scarlet is also the only known human being, to date, to break free of Mysteron control, and the reason why that happened is still a mystery, although many theories have been proposed. Remaining loyal to Spectrum, he became the organisationï¿½s most effective weapon against the Mysterons, for he retained from his experience the power of retrometabolism. He can heal from any wound, even a mortal one, in a matter of only a few hours, without even a scar to remind him of the incident. Scarlet can also feel the presence of a Mysteron agent nearby or when danger, related to the Mysterons, is imminent ï¿½ although this particular ability, for some unknown reason, does not work all the time. This ï¿½sixth senseï¿½ manifests itself in the form of nausea and dizziness. Scarlet also retained the strange imperviousness to X-rays ï¿½ he shows a ï¿½normalï¿½ image from an X-ray shot ï¿½ like all Mysterons agents, and like them, he seems to be vulnerable to high voltage electricity.

It has been postulated that Scarletï¿½s body works like a walking solar battery, constantly recharging itself, holding energy in reserve to heal wounds. He therefore needs very little sleep, as seems to be indicated in episodes such as ï¿½Lunarville 7ï¿½, ï¿½Infernoï¿½, ï¿½Shadow of Fearï¿½ and ï¿½The Trapï¿½, where we see him prowling corridors at night-time. Other theories ï¿½ mainly by fanfic authors ï¿½ suggested alcoholic beverages or medical drugs would have little or no effect on him ï¿½ or that his body would have to absorb an enormous quantity before he would feel any effect, the speedy metabolism of his body burning any foreign substance nearly as soon as it enters his bloodstream. Francis Matthews, actor who voiced Captain Scarlet, dies aged 86 | Television & radio | The Guardian Television & radio Francis Matthews, actor who voiced Captain Scarlet, dies aged 86 Actor with a varied career, best known for his part in Gerry Anderson's follow-up puppet series to the Thunderbirds Frances Matthews said the voice he used for Captain Scarlet voice was based on an impression of Cary Grant.

Photograph: Eddie Wing/Reuters Sunday 15 June 2014 12.30 EDT First published on Sunday 15 June 2014 12.30 EDT Close This article is 2 years old Francis Matthews, the voice of Captain Scarlet in the TV series Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, has died after a short illness. He was 86. He had a varied acting career but will perhaps be best remembered for his clipped English officer-class delivery in the title role to the 1960s follow-up puppet series to the Thunderbirds. As the opening credits announced: "This man will be our hero for fate will make him indestructible – Captain Scarlet." Matthews started his career at the Leeds Rep, and after being demobbed from the Royal Navy he starred in stage productions across the country. While filming alongside Ava Gardner in Bhowani Junction in London in 1956, he introduced the superstar – then married to Frank Sinatra – to suburban life. Said to be bored with demands that she be photographed in London nightspots, Gardner rebelled, taking up Matthews' offer to have tea with his parents in Surbiton.

Matthews went on to star alongside Morecambe and Wise in The Intelligence Men (1965) and followed with That Riviera Touch (1966), The Mark of the Hawk (1957) and Crossplot (1968). In 1962, he met fellow actor Angela Browne on the set of BBC thriller Dark Island and they married the following year. In 1967, puppeteer Gerry Anderson asked Matthews to be the voice of Captain Scarlet. Matthews later admitted his voice was based on a party-piece impression of Cary Grant . In 1969, he took up the role of playboy detective Paul Temple in the eponymous BBC series. He is survived by his sons Paul, Dominic and Damien, five grandchildren, his brother, the actor Paul Shelley, and his sister Maura. Captain Scarlet Actor Francis Matthews Dies Captain Scarlet Actor Francis Matthews Dies Captain Scarlet Actor Francis Matthews Dies More The actor who provided the voice of indestructible puppet hero Captain Scarlet in the 1960s TV show has died at the age of 86.

Francis Matthews brought the Mysteron-battling sci-fi character to life in creator Gerry Anderson's programme between 1967 and 1968. His voice for Scarlet, which was based on the transatlantic accent of Hollywood star Cary Grant, became well-known to generations of children thanks to countless re-runs over the years. Matthews also became known for playing amateur detective Paul Temple in the TV drama series of the same name and appeared in several Hammer Horror films. Anderson Entertainment said: "We are very sorry to report that Francis Matthews, best known to Gerry Anderson fans as the voice of the indestructible puppet hero Captain Scarlet, has died aged 86. "Having previously had a policy of using American accents in their shows to aid sales to America, Gerry and Sylvia relaxed their casting requirements for Captain Scarlet as it was felt that British accents were now more acceptable Stateside than had previously been the case. "After hearing Matthews' uncanny impression of Cary Grant, a voice that would have been familiar to all on both sides of the Atlantic, he was cast in 1966." Matthews' wife, the actress Angela Browne, died in 2001, Anderson Entertainment said.

He is survived by his sons Damien, Paul and Dominic. Reblog Voice of Captain Scarlet Francis Matthews dies aged 86 - Mirror Online News Voice of Captain Scarlet Francis Matthews dies aged 86 The veteran actor, who also starred in Hammer Horror classics such as Dracula: Prince of Darkness and Revenge of Frankenstein has died Share Indestructible: Francis Matthews provided the voice for invulnerable agent Captain Scarlet (Photo: Rex) Share Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email Francis Matthews, the veteran stage and screen actor who was most famous as the voice of Captain Scarlet, has died aged 86. He starred in the classic 1960s sci-fi puppet show, produced by Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson , about a virtually indestructible secret agent, pitted against the vengeful Mysterons of Mars. As well as providing the voice of the smooth talking Spectrum agent, Matthews appeared in several acclaimed Hammer Horror films, including Dracula: Prince of Darkness and The Revenge of Frankenstein. He also starred as a mystery solving crime novelist in 1969 TV series Paul Temple.

Among Matthews' many talents was his ability to mimic Hollywood icon Cary Grant, upon whom aspects of Captain Scarlet were based. So impressive was Matthews' impression, he was called upon to provide the voice of Grant in Cary Comes Home, a 2004 film about the actor's life and career. A statement from Anderson Entertainment, who manage the estate of Captain Scarlet's creator, read: "We are very sorry to report that Francis Matthews, best known to Gerry Anderson fans as the voice of the indestuctible puppet hero Captain Scarlet, has died aged 86. Having previously had a policy of using American accents in their shows to aid sales to America, Gerry and [wife] Sylvia relaxed their casting requirements for Captain Scarlet as it was felt that British accents were now more acceptable Stateside than had previously been the case. "After hearing Matthews’ uncanny impression of Cary Grant, a voice that would have been familiar to all on both sides of the Atlantic, he was cast in 1966." Matthews played Captain Scarlet in all 35 episodes of its original run, and returned to voice the character in a 2000 CGI short film, entitled Captain Scarlet and the Return of the Mysterons.

He also regularly appeared with Morecambe and Wise, both as a guest on their TV shows and starring opposite them in their movies The Intelligence Men and That Riviera Touch. Matthews was born in York in 1927 and was married to TV actress Angela Browne, whom he met on the set of 1962 spy series The Dark Island. Browne died in 2001, aged 63. Like us on Facebook Most Read Most Recent Most Read Most Recent Francis Matthews, Voice of 'Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons,' Dies at 86 Francis Matthews, Voice of 'Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons,' Dies at 86 Mike Barnes Tweet Share Francis Matthews, who starred in such British horror films as The Revenge of Frankenstein and provided the voice of the indestructible Captain Scarlet in a memorable 1960s science-fiction puppet series, has died. He was 86. Matthews died Saturday after a short illness, according to several British media reports.

A native of York, England, Matthews also starred as the title character in the 1969–71 BBC series Paul Temple, in which he played the famed gentleman novelist who solves crimes with the aid of his wife, Steve (Ros Drinkwater). In the Hammer Films sequel Revenge of Frankenstein (1958), Matthews portrayed Peter Cushing's blackmailing assistant and was Boris Karloff's son in Corridors of Blood (1958), also starring Christopher Lee. Other horror films on his résumé included The Hellfire Club (1961) with Cushing and two more Lee starrers that were released in 1966 — Dracula: Prince of Darkness and Rasputin the Mad Monk. For Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, Matthews used a playful impression of Cary Grant to voice the title character who leads Spectrum, an international intelligence agency on Earth, in its fight against extra-terrestrial terrorists. As was said in the opening credits: "This man will be our hero, for fate will make him indestructible — Captain Scarlet." The ITC series was Gerry Anderson's follow-up puppet series to his more famous Thunderbirds.

Matthews also had regular roles on the British TV series Don't Forget to Write!, A Roof Over My Head, Middlemen and Trinity Tales. Matthews made his film debut opposite Ava Gardner in George Cukor's Bhowani Junction (1956). He also appeared with Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise in The Intelligence Men (1965) and That Riviera Touch (1966). In 1962, he met actress Angela Browne on the set of the BBC's Dark Island, and they married a year later. She died in 2001. Survivors include his brother, actor Paul Shelley; sister Maura; and sons Paul, Dominic and Damien. Cast of Characters: Captain Blue CAST OF CHARACTERS CAPTAIN SCARLET and the MYSTERONS UNOFFICIAL WEBSITE by Chris Bishop UPDATES: June 22, 2014; New information added "Gentlemen, I cannot elaborate. Captain Scarlet will live... He will continue the fight against the Mysterons. Perhaps sooner than you think." Captain Blue (voice by Ed Bishop) in the episode "Point 783".

SPECTRUM PERSONNEL: CLOUDBASE STAFF OFFICERS Sources: TV Century 21 material (Annuals, books and magazines), Engale Marketing's Century 21 magazine, Issue 15, Winter 1995, Fleetway Magazines, Captain Scarlet & the Mysterons book by Chris Drake & Graham Bassett, Complete Book of Captain Scarlet by Chris Bentleyï¿½ all related to TV Century 21 material - Photo-montages provided by dedicated fans.) * Gerry Anderson the authorised biography, by Simon Archer and Stan Nicholls, Legend books, 1996 - ** UFO and Space 1999, by Chris Drake, Boxtree, 1994 - *** text taken from Sci Fi Online interview by Keri Allen). Senior staff officer, colour-coded Captain. The usual partner of Captain Scarlet. Real name : Blond Puppet specifications: Captain Blueï¿½s facial characteristics were generally thought to be based on Ed Bishop.

In ï¿½The Complete Book of Captain Scarletï¿½, by Chris Bentley (Carlton Books, 2001), Terry Curtis, the sculptor who made the puppet, revealed that Captain Blue was ï¿½a kind of version of myselfï¿½, although Sylvia Anderson had told him to base the puppetï¿½s features on a likeness of the actor who provided the voice - Ed Bishop. Adam Svenson was born a year after the Atomic War of Europe, which lasted from 2028 to 2034. The eldest son of a wealthy family from Boston, his father was a successful financier. The family fortune ensured he had a first-rate education and Adam was very successful at school; winning a full scholarship to the renown Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the early age of 16. Here he gained first-class honours degrees in economics, technology, applied mathematics, aerodynamics and computer control. It seemed as if Adam was destined for a successful career in the family business, but he disappointed his father by choosing a very different career that appealed more to his yearning for an exciting, action-packed lifestyle.

Adam enrolled in the World Aeronautic Society in 2055, at the age of 20, and whilst serving there received training in military-based strategy and piloting skills, in order to become an aircraft test pilot. Possessing courage and drive, Adam was acclaimed as a fearless pilot. In 2057 his superiors at the WAS, observing his energy and courage, believed that his inherent qualities could be put to better use and transferred him from the job of test pilot to that of an active field agent in the security department. At first dismayed by this change in his career, Adam soon realised the challenges this new job provided. The WASï¿½s security was persistently being compromised by the infiltration of enemy agents, and saboteurs, so with the help of twenty hand-picked officers, it was his job to take care of the problem. He did so with enthusiasm, determination and ruthlessness. Hampered by unseen forces, and always unsure if the people working alongside him were double or triple agents working for the enemy, Adam suffered many setbacks on the way to achieving his target.

In his first six months of joining the WAS security department, three assassination attempts were made on his life by Bereznian agents, but he finally succeeded in bringing the reign of sabotage and spy infiltration to an end, proving his ability to get results despite the odds against him. Adam Svensonï¿½s success at the WAS, as well as his strong personality and vitality, brought him to the attention of the Spectrum selection committee in 2065, and he was amongst the first men to be approached with the offer of the rank and colour code of Captain Blue ï¿½ a new challenge that Adam accepted. Trustworthy, perseverant and loyal to a fault, Captain Blue is the ideal Spectrum officer. He demonstrates an ability to work for Spectrum in many capacities and has, when the situation demanded it, replaced Colonel White as the commander of Cloudbase (ï¿½White as Snowï¿½) and Lieutenant Green as Communication Officer (ï¿½Avalancheï¿½). It is Blue who is given the task of driving the eccentric lunar vehicles when Spectrum investigates Mysteron threats on the Moon. Blue is the ideal field partner for Captain Scarlet and is also his best friend.

Although very self-disciplined, Blue does sometimes display wilfulness, especially in support of his friend (ï¿½Special Assignmentï¿½, ï¿½Renegade Rocketï¿½). On duty, he inspires those working alongside him; off duty, he retains his forceful, sceptical, possibly over-confident personality (ï¿½White as Snowï¿½), but has developed a seemingly endless patience with his fellow officers. Blue loves outdoors activities, taking every opportunity to travel down to the east-coast of Australia, where he enjoys water-skiing, surfing and deep-sea fishing. Captain Blue appears to have romantic feelings for Karen Wainwright (Symphony Angel), which he sometimes allows to cloud his judgment. These feelings are obviously reciprocated by Symphony. If there could be said to be ï¿½evidenceï¿½ of a relationship between any of the major characters in the TV series, it would be between Captain Blue and Symphony Angel (And it is certainly the most common relationship described by fanfic writers within the fandom).

In the early episode ï¿½Manhuntï¿½, Blue admits to having given Symphony ï¿½a medallionï¿½ for her birthday and Captain Scarlet encourages him not to worry as ï¿½Symphony will be all rightï¿½ when the Angel goes missing, and is believed to have been captured by the Mysteronsï¿½ Agent, Captain Black. But even this reassurance does not stop Blue urging his colleagues to storm into the Culver Atomic Station in search of her; threatening to go in alone when Scarlet points out their orders are ï¿½to waitï¿½. Finally, during the colonelï¿½s debriefing session back on Cloudbase, Blue is shown as being somewhat over-protective of the Angel pilot by answering the colonelï¿½s question ï¿½How are you feeling, Symphony?ï¿½ before she can get a word in.

The penultimate episode ï¿½Attack on Cloudbaseï¿½ could also be used as evidence that there is a relationship between the two Americans, as Blue apparently confesses his feelings to Colonel White when the latter asks him, ï¿½Whatï¿½s wrong with you, man? Are you in love with the girl?ï¿½ after Blue has burst into Cloudbaseï¿½s Control Room, once more demanding to be allowed to rescue Symphony ï¿½ this time after her plane has crashed in a desert. However, the evidence of ï¿½Attack on Cloudbaseï¿½ is not as clear-cut as it might at first seem, given that the incident turns out to be a dream of the dehydrated and obviously concussed Symphony Angel.

What is evident is that Symphony has feelings for Captain Blue, because when he and Captain Scarlet arrive to save her, she is repeatedly calling his real name and in the closing scene, when she explains to Colonel White and her friends just how frightening the dream had been; she tells everyone ï¿½You were all different somehowï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ everyone it seems, except Captain Blue, who asks, ï¿½How was I in your dream, Symphony?ï¿½ only to be told, ï¿½You were justï¿½ Adam.ï¿½ - at which point the puppets are seen gazing at each other until Captain Scarlet breaks the spell with his comment, ï¿½Sounds to me as if it wasnï¿½t so bad.ï¿½ Blue's uncle facing a killer bird ('Redbills Island') Official TV21 sources describe Adam Svenson as ï¿½the eldest son of a wealthy financierï¿½. From this it is usually deduced that he has at least one younger brother. As Blue is said to have been born in Boston, Massachusetts, it is assumed the family lives there. Beyond that nothing is known.

The TV/Century 21 magazine introduced an uncle named Matthew (no last name divulged) in one comic strip, 'Redbills Island'. In this story, Uncle Matthew is an ornithologist, writing a story on birds nesting in a remote island - birds that the Mysterons, coincidentally enough, decide to Mysteronise to use as weapons. However, as it is the case for any relatives presented in comic strips, some fans might not view these characters as part of the official background, as they do not consider comic strips as ï¿½canonï¿½. The names of Captain Blue's parents, as most commonly used in fan fiction, are pure ï¿½fanonï¿½. Chris Bishop created the characters of John and Sarah Svenson and gave Captain Blue three siblings ï¿½ two brothers (Peter and David) and a younger sister (Katherine) for her story ï¿½A Symphony in Blueï¿½.

All these Svenson family characters have been used by other authors, notably by Marion Woods, who gives them prominence in a number of stories (especially: ï¿½The Passengersï¿½, ï¿½Seasonal Adjustmentsï¿½ and 'Masquerade'). John Svenson, as seen by Marion Woods for 'Masquerade' Chris Bishop also created Blueï¿½s maternal uncle, Michael Ellis, a lieutenant in the Boston police department for 'A Symphony in Blue'. Marion Woods created the character of Blueï¿½s paternal grandfather (Stefan) whose close relationship with his grandson is one of great importance to Adam, (Sojourn) and a cousin, Eric Svenson. These are not the only characters that appear in the fan fiction and other authors (for example, Sage Harper, 'Relative Troubles') have created alternative versions of the Svenson family. The CGI series gives Blue an entirely different parentage and background: an un-named three-star General for a father who is a military advisor to the U.S. President and a family history of military service.

His mother Julia (nï¿½e Jacobsen), is a nurse and he has two younger brothers ï¿½ Luke and Benjamin ï¿½ who are both in the U.S. Army. He is said to have been born in Fort Hood, Texas and to have attended West Point Military Academy. He was awarded the Purple Heart for bravery, during the Global Terrorist Conflict. Captain Scarlet and Captain Blue The relationship between Captain Scarlet and Captain Blue is pivotal to the original TV series; with the strong impression being that they are great friends and excellent working partners. This has been used in almost all fan fiction; although sometimes it is taken as meaning they have a homosexual relationship. There is no evidence to support that, and Blueï¿½s relationship with Symphony could be said to make it unlikely. The CGI Captain Blue is described in supporting literature as Scarletï¿½s ï¿½gung-ho battle-hungry friendï¿½. In the early episodes of the New Captain Scarlet CGI series (1-13), Captain Blue plays a much less prominent role than he did in the original series. Destiny Angel has become Captain Scarletï¿½s ï¿½unofficialï¿½ partner.

In the first episodes, the friendship between Blue and Scarlet appears to be far less trusting ï¿½ with Blue expressing doubts that Scarlet is free from Mysteron control in ï¿½Instrument of Destruction ï¿½ part 2ï¿½. In the second half of the series (episodes 14-26), Blue does feature more regularly and there are indications that he and Scarlet are friends ï¿½ particularly in the episode ï¿½Storm at the end of the Worldï¿½ where Scarlet shows great concern for his injured partner. Other Interesting facts It was the Captain Scarlet Annual (1967) that gave details of Adam Svensonï¿½s full ï¿½career backgroundï¿½ (Winning a full scholarship to at Harvard University at 16, disappointing his father by joining the World Aeronautic Society, and so onï¿½) The book also stated that he was transferred to the Security Department with the task of weeding out ï¿½enemy agentsï¿½ from the service.

The later 1993 ï¿½Official Captain Scarlet Annualï¿½ states that Adam Svenson: ï¿½ï¿½won a transfer [from the WAS] to the U.S. Security Department to become an active secret agent. With a force of 20 hand picked agents, he set about revolutionising his command in Eastern Europe ï¿½ with such success that Bereznik, the breakaway dictatorship opposed to the World Government took exception to the improvements and on three separate occasions attempted to kill him. Each time Svenson managed, by ingenuity and quick thinking, to save himself.ï¿½ There is no explanation of why this background information was changed. The 1967 annual states that Blue enjoys an outdoor life and that his hobbies are: water-skiing, surfing and deep-sea harpoon fishing.

The 1969 TV21 Annual contains an interview with ï¿½Captain Blueï¿½ about his hobby of ï¿½surf-ridingï¿½ which states he is the ï¿½current world record holder for the longest rideï¿½: 5,000 feet set at Waikiki Beach, Oahu in 2064. (This would surely have lead to a breach of security as anyone could look up the world record holder and thus identify Captain Blue of Spectrum.) One source ('Thunderbirds calendar is Go', 1987) states that he was awarded the World Governmentï¿½s highest military medal (the Valour Star) by the World President. The only other recipient is named as Captain Troy Tempest of the World Aquanaut Security Patrol. The headline ï¿½Hero Award for Captain Blueï¿½ does appear on a later edition of the TV21 comic. The story line includes the information that Blue is on his way to Unity City to receive the Medal of Honour for Bravery. The man who was Captain Blue Ed Bishop As mentioned above, Captain Blueï¿½s facial characteristics were generally thought to be based on Ed Bishop.

However, in ï¿½The Complete Book of Captain Scarletï¿½, by Chris Bentley (Carlton Books, 2001), Terry Curtis, the sculptor who made the puppet, revealed that he made Captain Blue as a version of himself, (although Sylvia Anderson had asked that the puppetï¿½s features be based on Ed Bishop.) The controversy will probably rumble on for years to come. The actor who provided the voice, Ed Bishop, was born George Victor Bishop, in Brooklyn, New York on 11th June 1932. He changed his name to Edward (Ed) Bishop on becoming a professional actor, to avoid confusion with another actor called George Bishop. Educated in Peekskill, New York State, he graduated from High School in 1950 and after a short spell at Teacher Training College; he went into the United States Army in 1952 to do his National Service. He worked in the Armed Forces Radio Services and first started acting in a local amateur theatre group.

Once discharged from the Army, he started a course in Business Administration at Boston University, but in 1956 he enrolled in a two-year drama course instead, and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the Theatre. He was able to continue his studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) after winning a United States Fulbright Grant. He stayed on in England, working on television and in the theatre, as well as in feature films, including parts in Stanley Kubrickï¿½s ï¿½Lolitaï¿½ (1961) and ï¿½2001: a space odysseyï¿½ (1968) ï¿½ although most of his scenes in that Sci-Fi classic ended up on the cutting room floor as the film was over-running. In 1967, came the first of his collaborations with Gerry Anderson, when he was cast as the voice of Captain Blue, in the Supermarionation program, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. He appeared in all 32 episodes of the series, as well as in the audio adventures released on record.

In his authorised biography, Gerry Anderson says: ï¿½I was intentionally listening out of sight of the artists, as seeing them as they do the voices can throw you. Ed has a wonderful voice, which he often refers to as his ï¿½wall to wall corporate voiceï¿½, and he was instantly taken on board to play the role of the smooth talking co-star Captain Blue.ï¿½* Captain Blue and Commander Straker In 1969 he worked with Gerry Anderson again, on the film Dopplegï¿½nger (Also known as ï¿½Journey to the far side of the Sunï¿½) and was cast as Commander Ed Straker in Andersonï¿½s first live-action production UFO. He appeared in all 26 episodes of the series, which was broadcast in the UK in 1970-71. Gerry Anderson explained his choice for the role by saying: ï¿½I wanted to get somebody who was a good actor, who would turn up on time, who was very workmanlike and who understood the British people ï¿½ that guy was Ed Bishop.

I cannot say enough in support of the man; he is everything, I think, that a good artist should be.ï¿½** Reviews of UFO were mixed; people associated Andersonï¿½s shows with childrenï¿½s adventure series and the storylines in the new show were far more mature. This lead to many regional Independent TV companies scheduling it in irregular time slots; however the series did generate a positive response and plans were well underway for a second series, especially as, when it was syndicated in the US, it led the ratings in New York and Los Angeles for seventeen consecutive weeks. However, for various reasons, the second series was never made and Gerry Anderson went on to make Space 1999 instead. Bishop went back to America in 1972 and landed a vocal role in the animated Star Trek series, and a role in the movie Pets (1972). He then returned to England and continued to work in films and in roles in many TV series, most notably as the motor-mouth TV anchorman, Jay Garrick, in all six episodes of the cult LWT sitcom Whoops Apocalypse! He was also busy with radio productions for BBC Radio 4.

He starred as Detective Elijah Bailey in an adaptation of Isaac Asimov's The Caves of Steel, portrayed Philip Marlowe in a series of six adaptations of Raymond Chandler's detective novels, and had a role as the American tourist, Al Clancy, in The Archers. In October 2002, he starred as John F Kennedy in the programme Kennedy's Secret Tapes on the 40th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis. First version of the CGI Blue He worked on numerous voiceovers for television advertising campaigns. In 2000, Ed Bishop was called on by Gerry Anderson to once again voice Captain Blue, for a 4 minutes short movie reel to help promote a possible new series of Captain Scarlet ï¿½ to be done in CGI animation. Francis Matthews was also called back to do the voice of Captain Scarlet. This movie was very popular at the fan conventions when it was shown, but people had to wait a few more years (until 2005) before actually being able to view the new CGI series called Gerry Anderson's New Captain Scarlet.

Sadly, however, neither Ed Bishop nor Francis Matthews were to be part of the voice cast ï¿½ the producers feeling that their voices sounded too old for the characters. Politically active, Ed Bishop participated in the British protest against the Iraq war , in March 2004. Ed Bishop was a frequent guest at many Sci-Fi conventions, and remained a firm favourite with the fans of the Anderson shows. Asked in an interview if he had an interest in Sci-Fi, Bishop replied: ï¿½No, not really. I donï¿½t have an overwhelming interest in the subject. It was an acting jobï¿½ actors have to do this. I keep going to conventions and getting fan mail from all over the world, itï¿½s extraordinary. Itï¿½s partially to do with sci-fi, as it does stretch the imagination. Westerns and the cop genre come and go, but I think sci-fi sticks around.ï¿½ *** Ed Bishop died on the morning of Wednesday, June 8th, 2005, aged 72. He was married twice and had four children, one of whom, his son Daniel, predeceased him.

The many faces of Captain Blueï¿½ Graham (left) and Joe (right) in 'Secret Service') CGI Captain Blue The character of Captain Blue, created for the New Captain Scarlet CGI series, is not to be confused with the original Supermarionation character. Very different physically, and with a different background, although they share the same real name, the CGI Blue also has a very different attitude. There is really little resemblance between the CGI Blue ï¿½ a gung-ho, Rambo-like character ï¿½ and its smooth-spoken, much less impetuous predecessor; although both characters share a similar kind of friendship with their own Captain Scarlet, and have the same heroic approach to facing danger in order to do their duty and save their friendsï¿½ life. In that example, a close comparison can be made between the original Blue and the CGI character in the classic series episode, ï¿½Manhuntï¿½ and the CGI episode, ï¿½Homecomingï¿½. With the character of Symphony Angel taking a very minor role in the new series, the odds for any kind of romance for Captain Blue are in favour of the female Lieutenant Green (Serena Lewis).

In the episode ï¿½Swarmï¿½ it is hinted that Captain Blue might have feelings for her ï¿½ and that she might very well return them ï¿½ when Blue demands permission to rescue the young woman from danger. He shows a similar concern when Green is kidnapped by her Mysteronised father in ï¿½Homecomingï¿½. At the end of the episode ï¿½Duelï¿½, Blue and Green are shown chatting companionably together over a friendly drink, while Scarlet dances with Destiny Angel. Casting call! Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Snow-White and the Huntsman, Rush) would just be the perfect choice for Captain Blue, should a live-action Captain Scarlet movie be done these days! He's very tall, handsome, has just about the right height, eyes are blue and hair can be made blonder if needed be. And he can act! At least, this is this webmaster's personal opinion. What's yours?

Question: Which actor provided the television voice for 'Captain Scarlet'?
Answer: FRANCIS MATTHEWS